Floods cost Andhra’s Srikakulam about ₹150 crore; water still stands in Allina’s paddy fields
Collector says crops can be saved on scientists’ advice and reservoirs will last till March; farmers in low-lying villages ask for the Nagavali’s water to be drained
Floodwaters receding in much of Andhra Pradesh's Srikakulam district, but the Nagavali river remains standing in the paddy fields of low-lying villages like Allina, posing a threat to farmers' crops. In Santhabommali, Polaki, Meliaputti, Jalumuru, and Burja mandals, the unprecedented floods from the Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Bahuda, and other rivers have inundated farms.
While some areas faced drought-like conditions due to the year's rainfall deficit, the lands benefiting from major reservoir canals were fertile. However, the sudden flash floods have ruined standing crops, leaving farmers worried about their livelihood. The government estimates a loss of about ₹150 crore, with farmers earning approximately ₹60,000 per acre and investing ₹9,500 to ₹15,000 per crop.
Allina village in Burja mandal, completely a low-lying area, saw 1,100 acres of paddy damaged. Farmers are urging authorities to expedite the drainage of Nagavali water in the fields, fearing complete crop loss if the water stagnates for a few more days. The irrigation department and agriculture scientists are advising farmers to follow recommended measures to protect the standing crops.
Although temporary hardships may arise, the farmlands could benefit during the upcoming rabi season, as reservoirs and barrages remain full of water until March 2027.
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